Thursday, June 27, 2013

The term
“anxiety” describes an intense feeling of unease, nervousness and worry,
typically surrounding a situation with an uncertain outcome. Most people
experience from some form of anxiety, whether mild or extreme, at some point in
their lives – and is commonly found in recovery. In this entry we will offer up
some tips and tricks to help you stay
positive and sober throughout your recovery.

Anxiety
and addiction often go hand in hand. Studies suggest that many addicts
experience some type of anxiety; OCD, Social Anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, or
Generalized Anxiety Disorder to name a handful. Addicts often utilize substances
to hide or mask these issues in an effort to combat the discomfort associated
with the condition. Whether the anxiety is due to un-treated addiction or
alcoholism or a separate mental health disorder depends on the individual
patient.

Tips:

1 –
Acknowledge your feelings. It may seem difficult or even embarrassing to admit
to stress or anxiety during recovery. Understand that this condition is
completely normal, and that in order to deal with it properly, it must first be
recognized.

2 – Ask
yourself what you are stressing about. For example, you may be concerned about
the life you’ve left behind or are reliving past traumas hidden by the
substance abuse. Narrowing down exactly what you’re anxious about to place you
in position to deal with the real issue properly.

3 -
Educate yourself. The more you know about anxiety, the better equipped you will
be to deal with it. Talk to your counselor, and create a plan to deal with
attacks when they come about. The better prepared you are, the easier they will
be to brush off.

4 –
Focus on something positive! Dive into a good book or hobby. Choosing to
immerse yourself in something outside your own head will offer escape and
confidence throughout recovery. The more time you devote to living your life,
the less time you will have for worry.

5 –
Consider a daily journal. For some, putting thoughts to paper can serve as a
wonderful stress relief. It may even
help you work through your fears!

Monday, June 24, 2013

In a culture obsessed with celebrity, it seems only natural
to discuss the effect of Hollywood drug abuse on our nation’s populous. From
tabloid magazines to the evening news, salacious tales of partying, excess and
dependency only fuel our ever-growing infatuation with the “elite” population
class gracing the world stage.

For many people, celebrities make easier companions than
neighbors and friends. Their personal lives on display, many gravitate towards
these individuals out of empathy and self-identification. Their fame and
stories offer escape from a world perhaps plagued in routine - We discuss their
downfalls and triumphs as we might a relative’s – We are proud, disappointed,
engaged and consumed.

As a society, we tend to emulate those in the limelight.
Unfortunately, some of us have a difficult time separating the fantasy from
reality. “Why can’t I be desirable, talented, beautiful and rich, whilst
nurturing a mild to moderate prescription drug habit? Seems to work for
actor/singer/producer/director Jane Doe Esq., III – Why not me?!”

The issue here is not celebrity, so much as how we consume
and digest it. Not every action, outfit and hairstyle need be analyzed, adored
and replicated. As humans, we are afforded the ability and right to make
ourselves. Though imitation certainly serves as a guide towards many positive
paths and experiences (drive, perseverance, accomplishment), it is imperative
that we distinguish and learn from celebrity indiscretions rather than absorb
as commodity.

If we must emulate
our celebrities, we must also acknowledge the fact that drug and alcohol abuse
within celebrity culture offers little hope of long-term happiness. By altering
the mindset from “glorify” to “study”, we can hope to learn from the trials and
tribulations of these individuals rather than repeat them.

Above It All

Searching for drug addiction
treatment in Los Angeles, CA? Contact Above it All treatment center today!
With a team of seasoned substance abuse specialists available to address your
individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you on the fast track
to recovery in no time. Call now!